Buachaille Etive Mor ‘The Great Herdsman of Etive’ is one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. A guided ascent of Curved Ridge takes you up the impregnable looking North East Face of Stob Dearg (1022m), the highest point on the Buachaille’s ridge
Whilst an intimidating looking route, with good route finding this is another of the classic scrambles in Glencoe.
We start at Altnafeadh and head round on the climbers path towards the North East Face of Stob Dearg. We pass under many brilliant buttress, many of which offer alternative scrambles to the summit. After passing the Waterslide slab, we ascend a faint path through scree before gearing up for the scrambling.
After a gentle warm up, the first challenge is a long rocky rib which has fantastic holds and a cool sense of exposure. The second crux involves scrambling up a rocky tower with the hardest moves on a short polished corner. With great views onto the adjacent Rannoch Wall, an impressive face for rock climbers, this scramble has it all- exposure, fantastic climbing and a finish at the summit of an amazing mountain! Your Curved Ridge Guide will look after you each step of the way allowing you to enjoy this superb mountain experience!
Is this for me?
You should have a good level of fitness to do this route with previous hillwalking recommended. A good head for heights is also essential as there are a few exposed sections on the ridge. Any previous scrambling or climbing would be a bonus but is not essential.
Ratios 1:1 or 1:2
Larger groups please contact us for prices
Prices
| No. of people | Curved Ridge Guiding |
|---|---|
| 1 | £280 |
| 2 | £310 |
Kit List
- TECHNICAL KIT
- Helmet
- Harness – both of these can be supplied
- PERSONAL CLOTHING/KIT
- Walking boots/Approach Shoes
- Wicking baselayer – keeps moisture away from your skin and reduces how cold you feel as a result. Cotton is not suitable.
- Trekking trousers– Lightweight, fast drying trousers are ideal.
- Mid layer– to be worn on top of baselayer in cooler conditions, for example a lightweight fleece or Primaloft top.
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over trousers
- Warm hat– e.g. Woollen beanie
- Gloves– minimum 2 pairs (at least one waterproof pair). Leather gardening style gloves are good for scrambling
- Spare warm layer– e.g. fleece, synthetic insulation like primaloft,
- OTHER KIT
- Food and water – around 1-2 litres of water and plenty of snacks and high energy foods to get you through the day.
- Rucksack – 30 litres- recommended
- Rucksack liner/Drybags– rucksacks aren’t waterproof so either a large poly-bag liner or several smaller dry-bag type bags recommended.
- Sun screen, sun glasses – mountain sun can be fierce and the sun does come out occasionally in the Highlands!
- Small Personal First Aid Kit– e.g. blister plasters, painkillers, medications
- Whistle
- Head Torch– for Late Summer/Early Autumn (August onwards)
- Trekking poles (Optional) – can take 3 tonnes of loading off of your knees over the course of a day- recommended for the Aonach Eagach descent in particular!
What’s Included/ Not Included
What’s included
- Qualified and experienced Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI)
- Hire of helmet and harness
- Action Photos of your day!
What’s not included
- Personal kit
- Transport/Accommodation/Meals
- Cancellation/Personal injury insurance
Meeting Times/Location
Parking is limited at Buachaille Etive Mor so we’ll often meet at the Clachaig Inn and take one vehicle to the start point. Start times are ususally 0730-0830hrs and will be confirmed in advance.
